Job 2:6
Job 2:6 in Multiple Translations
“Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.”
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thy hand; only spare his life.
And the Lord said to the Satan, See, he is in your hands, only do not take his life.
So the Lord said to Satan, “Very well, you have the power to do whatever you want to him, but don't kill him.”
Then the Lord said vnto Satan, Lo, he is in thine hand, but saue his life.
And Jehovah saith unto the Adversary, 'Lo, he [is] in thy hand; only his life take care of.'
The LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life.”
And the LORD said to Satan, Behold, he is in thy hand; but save his life.
And the Lord said to Satan: Behold be is in thy hand, but yet save his life.
Yahweh replied to Satan, “◄All right/Okay►, you may do to him whatever you want to do, but do not cause him to die.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 2:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 2:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
יְהוָ֛ה
אֶל
הַ/שָּׂטָ֖ן
הִנּ֣/וֹ
בְ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
אַ֖ךְ
אֶת
נַפְשׁ֥/וֹ
שְׁמֹֽר
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/שָּׂטָ֖ן
sâṭân
H7854
Satan
Art | N-ms
הִנּ֣/וֹ
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
בְ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
אַ֖ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַפְשׁ֥/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
שְׁמֹֽר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 2:6
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/שָּׂטָ֖ן
sâṭân
H7854
"Satan"
Art | N-ms
Satan is the arch-enemy of good, an opponent who withstands God and humanity. This name is used in the Bible to describe the devil or a personal adversary, often in books like Job and 1 Peter.
Definition: This name means adversary, one who withstands 1a) adversary (in general-personal or national) 2) superhuman adversary 2a) Satan (as noun pr)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: adversary, Satan, withstand. See also: Numbers 22:22; Job 1:8; Psalms 109:6.
הִנּ֣/וֹ
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
בְ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אַ֖ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נַפְשׁ֥/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
שְׁמֹֽר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
Study Notes — Job 2:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 2:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 2:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 2:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 2:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 2:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 2:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 2:6
- Barnes' Notes on Job 2:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 2:6
- Sermons on Job 2:6
Context — Job Loses His Health
4“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give up all he owns in exchange for his life.
5But stretch out Your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse You to Your face.”
6“Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.”
7So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. 8And Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself as he sat among the ashes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 10:13 | No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it. |
| 2 | Luke 22:31–32 | Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” |
| 3 | Job 1:12 | “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. |
| 4 | Revelation 2:10 | Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. |
| 5 | Luke 8:29–33 | For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places. “What is your name?” Jesus asked. “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And the demons kept begging Jesus not to order them to go into the Abyss. There on the hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding. So the demons begged Jesus to let them enter the pigs, and He gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. |
| 6 | Job 38:10–11 | when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? |
| 7 | Psalms 65:7 | You stilled the roaring of the seas, the pounding of their waves, and the tumult of the nations. |
| 8 | Revelation 20:1–2 | Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the Abyss, holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. |
| 9 | Revelation 20:7 | When the thousand years are complete, Satan will be released from his prison, |
Job 2:6 Summary
[This verse shows that God is in control of all things, even when Satan is allowed to do evil. God spared Job's life, showing mercy and setting a limit to Satan's power, as seen in Psalm 103:19. This reminds us that God is sovereign and can use evil for His own good purposes, as stated in Romans 8:28. We can trust God's control and mercy in our own lives, even in hard times, just like Job did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God allow Satan to afflict Job?
God allowed Satan to afflict Job to test his faith and devotion, as seen in Job 1:6-12 and Job 2:1-6, and to ultimately bring glory to Himself, as stated in Isaiah 48:11.
What does it mean that God spared Job's life?
By sparing Job's life, God showed mercy and set a limit to Satan's power, demonstrating His sovereignty over all things, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Romans 11:36.
Is God responsible for the evil that Satan does?
While God allowed Satan to afflict Job, He is not responsible for the evil that Satan does, as stated in James 1:13-14, and He can use evil for His own good purposes, as seen in Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from God's interaction with Satan in this verse?
We can learn that God is in control of all things, even when evil seems to prevail, and that He has a purpose for allowing trials and afflictions in our lives, as stated in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has spared my life or shown me mercy, and how can I respond with gratitude and faith?
- How do I respond to trials and afflictions in my life, and what can I learn from Job's example of trust and endurance?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and control over all things, even when evil or hardship seems to prevail?
- How can I use my experiences of trial and affliction to bring glory to God and to help others, as Job's story has done for centuries?
Gill's Exposition on Job 2:6
And the Lord said unto Satan, behold, he [is] in thine hand,.... Well may a behold be prefixed to this, it being matter of wonder and astonishment that a saint and servant of God should be permitted
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 2:6
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. But save - rather, only spare. Satan shows his ingenuity in inflicting pain, and also his knowledge of what man's body can bear without vital injury.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 2:6
Do not attempt to take away his life, which I will not suffer thee to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 2:6
Job 2:6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.Ver. 6. And the Lord said unto Satan] Who hath his request: it is not always a mercy to have what we wish. Deus saepe dat iratus, quod negat propitius. God often gives wrath because he denies his favour. Be sure we bring lawful petitions, and true hearts, Hebrews 10:22, and then we shall have good things, and for our greatest good. Behold, he is in thine hand] Here God puts his child into his slave’ s hand to correct, but not to destroy. And surely, if we give reverence to the fathers of our flesh, who correct us for their own pleasure, shall we not much more be in subjection unto the Father of spirits chastening us for our profit, and live? The Turks, though cruelly lashed, are yet compelled to return to him that commanded it, to kiss his hand, and give him thanks, to pay the officer that whipped them. This last we need not do, but the former we ought, taking God’ s part against ourselves, and resting contented; though as Paul delivered up some to Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme, so God delivered us up to him and his agents (such as Satanically hate us, and are devilishly bent against us, Psalms 32:10 causing us to suffer more than any ever did out of hell), that we may learn not to be proud, secure, sensual, and may preach forth the virtues of him who hath brought us out of darkness into his marvellous light, 1 Peter 2:9. Let us not say if God would take the rod into his own hand, I could better bear it; but the tender mercies of that wicked one and his imps are mere cruelties.
For, 1. This is as if the child should say, If I might choose my rod, I would not care to be whipped; or the condemned nobleman, If I might choose mine executioner, I would not care to lose mine head. 2. It is but one hand and many instruments that God smiteth us with. Our enemies are but the men of God’ s hand, Psalms 17:14, that can do no more than is given them from above, John 19:11. God’ s masons to hew us here in the mount, that we may be as the polished corners of the temple, Psalms 144:12. God’ s scullions, to scour up the vessels of his household, that they may shine upon the celestial shelf, as that martyr said. 3. God ever reserveth to himself the royalty of setting them their task, limiting them their time, and letting out their tedder; hitherto ye shall go, and no further. 4. If they exceed their commission (as they are apt), God’ s jealousy will smoke against them, Zechariah 1:14. But save his life] Heb. his soul; put oft for the life, the cause for the effect.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 2:6
(6) But save his life.—God’s faithfulness cannot fail even if, as Satan hints, Job’s should do so (2 Timothy 2:13). There was one who cared for Job’s life more than he cared for it himself.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 2:6
Verse 6. But save his life.] His body thou shalt have permission to afflict, but against his life thou shalt have no power; therefore take care of his life. The original, נפשו שמר naphsho shemor, may be translated, keep his soul; but the word also signifies life; yet in the hands of the destroyer the life of this holy man is placed! How astonishing is the economy of salvation! It is so managed, by the unlimited power and skill of God, that the grand adversary of souls becomes himself, by the order of God, the preserver of that which the evil of his nature incessantly prompts him to destroy!
Barnes' Notes on Job 2:6
Behold, he is in thine hand - He is at thy disposal; see Job 1:12, Margin. But save his life - Margin, “only.” This was to be the only limitation.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 2:6
6. In thine hand — “God did not himself smite Job lest Satan should carpingly say, Thou hast spared and not tried him to the utmost.” — Chrysostom.
Sermons on Job 2:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Comes From the Hand of God by Hudson Taylor | James Hudson Taylor preaches on the story of Job, highlighting how Satan questioned Job's motives in serving God, insinuating that it was for selfish gain. Despite the trials and c |
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"Where Are the Praying People?" by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to remain separate from the sinful influences of the world, committing to prayer, Bible reading, and standing against immorality. |
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(Nicaragua) the Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher, who has been preaching for over 54 years, emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout his ministry. He mentions that he and another pastor, Gary, wi |
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Free to Be Ourselves by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three areas of understanding in relation to God's fatherhood. The first area is replacing negative seeing with positive seeing and living by f |
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Jesus Christ Is Our Great High Priest by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging truth of God's word. He starts by reading from the fourth chapter of Hebrews, highlighting the verse that speaks of Jesus as |
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Not to Be Wasted by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dealing with sin in the way that God prescribes. He explains that when we allow sin to have dominion over us, we are robbin |
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Jude #2 - Israel in the Wilderness by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the topic of apostasy and warns the congregation about the dangers of falling away from the faith. He uses examples from the Bible to illustrat |